Testimony resumes at Young Thug’s trial in Atlanta

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Young Thug’s historic gang trial in Atlanta is set to resume Wednesday, just hours before the two-year anniversary of his initial arrest.

Jeffery Williams – real name of Young Thug – was charged on May 9, 2022; this Thursday will mark two years since his initial indictment. The state says Williams is the leader of the alleged YSL gang that is behind a handful of violent acts.

Young Thug – real name Jeffery Williams – is on trial in Fulton County in a massive RICO case involving himself and five other defendants. Young Thug himself faces eight counts under a federal law originally passed to combat organized crime. Georgia is one of 33 states with its own RICO law, but in the Peach State, the alleged criminal enterprises do not have to have existed as long as the federal law.

Defense attorneys have expressed concern that the trial could last for years, depending on how many witnesses the state plans to call.

Williams’ lawyers argue that the artist is not the alleged gang leader as prosecutors claim.

A total of 18 jurors were selected, including six alternates. Two jurors have already been excused; one had a medical emergency, the other left Fulton County.

The jury selection process for Young Thug’s trial lasted longer than any other trial in Georgia history and was repeatedly marred by arrests, accusations and disruptions. The trial itself could last more than a year. Georgia’s longest jury selection and its longest trial both occurred during the 2014-2015 Atlanta Public Schools teacher scandal.

Opening statements began on November 27, 2023.

Defense attorneys for Williams and his other co-defendants claim that YSL (Young Slime Life or Young Stoner’s Life) is Young Thug’s label. Prosecutors are trying to show that YSL is a criminal street gang responsible for numerous crimes.

Williams is also charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; possession of codeine with intent to distribute; possession of cocaine; possession of a firearm; and possession of a machine gun.

Prosecutors said they still plan to call about 150 witnesses.

Atlanta News First streams full coverage of Young Thug’s trial on his channel direct And Youtube channel.

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